Some days are harder than others. Lately, I’ve been struggling with imposter syndrome, feeling like I haven’t truly earned my place at work. It’s a nagging thought that seeps in, making me question my value. On top of that, budgeting—something that already feels like a Herculean task for anyone with ADHD—has been weighing heavily on me as I work to keep my home. The combination of these stressors has made for a tough stretch.
But then, in the midst of it all, a good friend sent me a music video this morning: [Be Who You Are – YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppOkf-S_ieA&t=2s].
I didn’t expect much when I clicked play. But as the song unfolded, something inside me shifted. The lyrics, the melody, the sheer emotion behind it—it all spoke to me in a way I didn’t realize I needed.
The Power of a Thoughtful Gesture
Music has a way of saying what we struggle to articulate. It reminds us that we’re not alone, that others have walked this road before us, and that there’s light at the end of the tunnel—even when we can’t see it yet. My friend knew exactly what I needed before I did, and that act of kindness, of being seen and understood, meant the world to me.
In a time when I’ve been doubting myself, the song was a reminder that my worth isn’t measured in spreadsheets or productivity reports. It’s not defined by a single tough month. My value isn’t just in what I produce—it’s in who I am, in the relationships I build, in the way I show up, even on the hardest days.
Navigating Tough Times with Music and Friendship
There’s a lesson here, one I’m still working through: Hard times don’t define us. Our struggles with work, finances, or mental health are just chapters in a much longer story. And sometimes, when words fail, music steps in to bridge the gap.
Today, this song reminded me that I’m not alone. That I’m seen. That I matter. And if you’re reading this, feeling something similar, let this be your reminder too. You’re more than your struggles. You’re more than what you accomplish. You’re enough, just as you are.
And sometimes, the right song at the right moment can be exactly what we need to hear.
What are songs that have inspired you through tough times?